Jodie with her mum and dad, and little brother Josh
I live with my mum, dad and younger brother Josh. But I prefer to be in my own world. I like to draw pictures to build up my portfolio. I hope to become an artist when I’m older. I also enjoy listening to music alone in my room.
After a busy, noisy and sometimes overwhelming day at school I look forward to time alone. I create a space to focus on my thoughts, feelings and reflect upon my day.
Although I do love my family, it’s sometimes difficult for me to stay in the same space, especially when they are discussing life or planning upcoming events.
I regularly message my mum while I’m out, telling her about my plans. My mum encourages me to come out of my shell and socialise with people of my own age. But I find it difficult to socialise with new people. During lunchtime at school I prefer to finish off any homework rather than hanging out with other people.
Jodie does some homework in the playground away from other students
One night I was fast asleep having a dream. I heard a voice calling my name, “Jodie! Jodie! Jodie!”
To my surprise, it was Bella, my childhood teddy bear.
“Oh my gosh!” I gasped with surprise. “Is it really you, Bella? You can talk?”
“Yes Jodie I can,” said Bella kindly. All around me was a landscape created with the toys from my early youth.
“Can you tell my about your daily routine?” Bella asked me, as we walked along a paper road.
“It’s going fine thanks, Bella. I am able to concentrate on doing important tasks and chores, without anyone bothering me.”
“That’s all very well Jodie but…” Bella paused. “You’re forgetting about the consequences of being alone for too long.”
“So what should I do to join in with other people more?” I asked.
“There are lots of things you can do…” Bella started but was interrupted by the clunk of Big Ears’ car grinding to a halt right next to them, steam hissing from the engine.
“Big Ears looks depressed. I think he spends too much time on his own,” said Bella.
In Jodie’s dream, she and Bella watch poor Big Ears in his overheated car
“Apart from people making fun of his ears, he’s finding it hard to speak up and ask for help when he needs it, even from Noddy. Especially when he’s hurt, upset or unsure.”
“I feel sorry for Big Ears,” said Jodie. “I can relate to his feelings, as I have been struggling to make new friends since leaving primary school. Sometimes this makes me feel lonely.”
“You’re lucky Jodie to have a wonderful family to help you with tasks and new situations. Also you’re a great artist. You just need to work on your people skills,” said Bella. Just then Noddy arrived and gave his old friend Big Ears a hug and a lift.
“Wow! I didn’t appreciate that too much time on my own could leave me feeling isolated, but it does,” I said to Bella.
She responded, “Oh don’t worry, Jodie. It’s okay to be on your own sometimes. It’s just important to balance alone time with connecting with others who perhaps have similar interests to you. Think of it as a chance to explore a new world that prevents some of your feelings of loneliness.”
From the minute I woke up after my vivid dream I’ve started making a conscious effort to talk to other students in my lessons. I also tried to get involved in a conversation with my family at the dinner table.
Jodie (in the middle) playing Jenga with two students at a game club
It has been touch and go at times, but thanks to Bella I’m very determined to balance my time alone with socialising with new friends.
I know this won’t happen straight away, but it’s a daily work in progress.
There is more advice about overcoming social isolation at the National Autistic Society.
Now working in retail, Max Ferreira is a creative author. A regular at Exposure his autism helps him develop special creative ideas. He has published a series of stories about his experience with autism available on Kindle.
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